Government of Canada will rebuild berth No. 1 at La Tabatière wharf

LA TABATIÈRE, QC, June 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, today announced an investment of $8 million to $10 million to rebuild berth No. 1 at the La Tabatière wharf.

"The La Tabatière wharf is important for the residents and for the economic development of the region," said Minister Baird. That is why our government decided to rebuild some components of the wharf following a storm in spring 2009."

The work will consist in rebuilding berth No. 1 by means of a steel sheet pile wall of the same type that was installed at berth No. 2. A cathodic protection system will also be installed, as will an erosion control mat at the base of the wharf. In addition, the north end of the wharf will be modified to create a safe traffic area for port operations at the La Tabatière wharf.

"This project demonstrates the importance that our government places on maintaining federal infrastructures in remote regions," added Minister Baird. "In addition to ensuring the stability of the Transport Canada warehouse, this work will help maintain the safety and effectiveness of port operations at the La Tabatière wharf."

The next step in this project will be the carrying out of an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Then the final plans and specifications for the selected concept will be drawn up. Once these last phases have been completed, Transport Canada will be able to prepare a precise schedule for the work.

Details on the cost of the rebuilding project will be available when the public call for tenders is issued. Specialized firms will be selected according to a rigorous process to ensure the work is successfully completed.

The La Tabatière wharf is used mainly to supply the local population on a weekly basis and to receive and ship general merchandise and seafood products. The structure is also used to receive petroleum products that are stored in tanks near the wharf.

In the meantime, boats can continue berthing at the La Tabatière wharf by using berth No. 2, which was rebuilt in 2007, and all wharf operations will be able to continue safely with the establishment of appropriate temporary measures.

For further information: Jacques Fauteux, Director, Policy and Communications, Office of Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Shawn Hibbard, Communications and Marketing, Transports Canada, Montreal, 514-633-2741; Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.